2024 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive Review

Today, Malaysia's C-segment SUV market offers more and more choices, with various brands vying for the attention of family users through configurations and value for money. As a popular model from the local brand, the 2024 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive version retains its classic design while making several adjustments to its configurations and details. The main purpose of this test drive is to see whether it can keep up with competitors in terms of power, space, and daily practicality, and whether it remains a cost-effective choice for family users.

Approaching the 2024 X70, the overall exterior maintains a stable and grand style, avoiding overly aggressive lines, while detailed adjustments make it more refined. The front face features a large blackened grille paired with Proton's new logo, which gives it high recognition; the sharp LED headlight assemblies on both sides adopt a segmented design for the daytime running lights, creating a clear visual effect when lit. The side body waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels for a balanced overall proportion. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a through-type design, and although the middle isn't fully connected, the extended red light band provides a strong visual presence. When lit at night, they exhibit decent recognition. The chrome trim below and the dual exhaust layout on each side add a touch of sportiness as well.

Inside the car, the interior layout is simple and organized. The central console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trim, fulfilling both tactile and visual expectations for this price range. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen takes the central position on the dashboard, offering good resolution and smooth operation. It supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto, making it very convenient for daily use. The fully digital instrument cluster is of moderate size and displays rich information such as speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and navigation, with smooth interface transitions. In terms of configurations, Keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic dual-zone air conditioning come as standard. The front row is equipped with 6-way electrically adjustable seats, making it easy for drivers of different heights to find a comfortable sitting position. The rear-row air conditioning vents and USB charging ports are not missing either, reflecting consideration for family users in the finer details.

Space performance has always been one of the strengths of the X70. The 2670mm wheelbase is among the upper-middle level in its class. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175 cm still has a headroom of one fist and two fingers, along with ample legroom. The rear seating area is even more impressive. A passenger of the same height can have two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring comfort even during long rides. In terms of storage space, the center armrest box and door storage compartments at the front row provide ample capacity for small items. The trunk offers a regular capacity of 512 liters, which can be expanded to about 1,100 liters with the rear seats folded down, easily meeting the storage needs for daily family shopping or short trips.

The 1.5 TGDi engine used in this test drive delivers a maximum power of 130 kW (177 PS) and a maximum torque of 255 Nm, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The power output is tuned for smoothness, and there’s no noticeable jerking during starts, making it suitable for daily commuting. When the accelerator is pressed harder, the transmission downshifts quickly, and the power response is fairly positive. On urban roads, overtaking feels smooth, and once the engine revs climb above 2,000 rpm, you can clearly feel the pronounced torque output. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 9.8 seconds, which is not particularly fast but is more than adequate for family users.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate steering effort and precise directionality, with no obvious looseness, offering a pleasant feel during daily driving. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, which is calibrated for comfort. It absorbs minor road bumps effectively, and when crossing speed bumps, the suspension rebounds crisply without excessive swaying. At high speeds, the vehicle maintains excellent stability, and even when encountering crosswinds, there is no noticeable floating sensation. When cornering, the suspension provides good body support, with body roll kept at an acceptable level, which enhances driving confidence.

Regarding fuel consumption, this test drive was primarily on urban roads, with occasional highway segments. The combined fuel consumption was about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.3L/100km. However, considering the traffic congestion in urban conditions, this result is still quite reasonable. The braking performance is stable, with the brake pedal offering a linear feel and balanced braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a stable posture without significant forward pitching.

In terms of ride comfort, the X70 performs commendably. Noise isolation in the cabin is well-executed, and at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise remain within acceptable levels, not interfering with conversations between passengers. The seat cushioning is relatively soft and offers good support, ensuring that long-duration rides are not fatiguing. The air conditioning system cools down quickly, and the dual-zone automatic air conditioning caters to the different needs of front and rear passengers, with sufficient airflow from the rear vents.

Overall, the comprehensive performance of the 2024 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive remains well-balanced. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it offers a significant price advantage and richer configurations, such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, a fully digital instrument panel, and electric seats, which are rarely seen in vehicles of the same price range from joint-venture brands. The space and comfort also meet the needs of family users, while the power output is smooth, and fuel consumption is relatively economical.

This car is most suitable for family users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and space. It does not feature an overly aggressive design or particularly outstanding performance, but it is well-balanced in terms of space, configuration, and practicality. It is suitable for daily commuting and family outings. If you are looking for an SUV that is reasonably priced, well-equipped, and spacious, the 2024 X70 Executive version would be a good choice.